Glenbrook North will remain open Friday after 2 shooting threats in 2 days

Glenbrook North High School will be in session Friday following two shooting threats in the last two days, school officials said Thursday afternoon.

Students who do not feel comfortable attending will be given an excused absence if a parent calls the school, officials said.

The building will be “thoroughly inspected by school staff and secured” Thursday evening, according to an email to parents from Glenbrook North Principal John Finan. All Friday and weekend extra-curricular events and activities will take place as scheduled, according to the email.

At 9:30 a.m. Thursday, students found the statement “stay out of school 10 4” with the image of a handgun carved into the seat of a desk, Finan said.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, a student reported seeing the phrase “Shooting 10 03” written on a classroom desk, Finan said.

Glenbrook North High School staff members searched the school Thursday morning following the initial school shooting threat, according to officials.

The school administration is investigating the reports and immediately reported the incidents to the Northbrook Police Department, according to the email.

On Thursday, the Northbrook Police Department provided an additional security presence throughout the day and all evening events, according to an update email from Finan.

“We take all reported issues seriously and will continue to conduct a thorough investigation,” Finan said. “Our focus remains on maintaining a safe and secure school environment for all students and staff.”

All activities for Wednesday evening were scheduled “with additional security measures being taken,” Finan said. All school events for Thursday “will continue as scheduled with increased security presence,” Finan said.

On Thursday morning school officials checked all students’ and visitors’ belongings as they entered the building and students were encouraged to come to school early, according to an update email from Finan.

The school will continue to inspect belongings of all students and visitors Friday, according to an update email from Finan.

Tom Moore, a Northbrook Police Department spokesman, said Thursday afternoon that the department is investigating the two threatening messages.

“The Northbrook Police Department’s first priority is the safety of the students. The department will continue to work closely with school administration to ensure a safe environment,” Moore said.

At 8 a.m. Thursday, students were evacuated from the building after a fire alarm sounded, according to an email from Finan. The fire alarm was set off after an electrical motor in the system burnt out, according to the email.

Students were given clearance to enter the building and resume the school day, according to the email.

Anyone with information can call the school at 847-509-2462 or send a text message to 844-823-5323.

Just a few weeks ago on Sept. 20, two Glenbrook South High School students reported seeing a shooting threat written on the back of a desk that read: “there will be a school shooting on Sept 25th 2018.”